Noise at Work Sound Level Meter

Buying the Right Meter

Our Recommendation

For basic occupational noise measurements, we recommend the
standard Optimus Red Class 2 (order code CR162A) with Calibrator
(order code CR514). The extra bits (logging and octaves) can
be added at a later date if needed.

For more advanced use, or where the noise levels are particularly
high, we recommend Optimus Red Class 2 with with
logging and octaves (order code CR162C) with Calibrator. This
gives the ability to assess the level at the ear when wearing
different hearing protectors.

Contact Noisemeters

Other products and services from Noisemeters

The Optimus Green sound level meter is available as either Class 1 or Class 2 - the most common for environmental noise measurement and more accurate being Class 1.
The Green range also includes real-time octave band filters and data logging with software and download cable.
They measure A, C and Z frequency weightings simultaneously along with Fast, Slow and Impulse time weightings.
Sound Level Meter with Logging & 1/3 Octaves.

Faults and Repairs - Under this standard calibration service, most adjustments or repairs that have to be made to bring the meter back into tolerance will be carried out without extra charge.
For sound level meters and noise dosemeters, these tests include the frequency responses, time responses and linearity of the meter.
The equipment will undergo detailed testing to ensure that it meets the relevant standards.

The dosemeter is the best option when workers are moving between locations, between different pieces of machinery, or are working in an area that makes it difficult or dangerous to follow them round with a sound level meter.
In these cases, rather than making lots of spot measurements with a sound level meter and then calculating the worker's noise exposure, a dosemeter monitors for the full working shift and provides you with these parameters.

A dosemeter is also a better option when the worker is in location that makes the use of a hand-held meter difficult, such as confined spaces or the cab on moving machinery.
Use a dosemeter (or personal sound exposure meter, PSEM) when the worker is moving around continuously, or between many different locations.
A dosemeter can take much less time to use as you do not have to follow the worker around while making measurements.

The audio record, which is closely associated with the noise measurements, is there so that you can be sure that any unacceptable noise levels were due to neighbours, dogs, music, machinery or any of the other common causes of complaint.

If the data logging option is fitted then all the measurement parameters are stored, along with time, date and other relevant information.
Making measurements usually consists of checking the calibration, recording a voice tag if required*, and then taking the readings.
Maybe you don't know at this stage whether you might need an Integrating sound level meter.